Daniel 1:8-13
‘But Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the king’s choice food or with the wine which he drank; so he sought permission from the commander of the officials that he might not defile himself. Now God grantedDaniel favor and compassion in the sight of the commander of the officials. The commander of the officials said to Daniel, “I am afraid of my lord the king, who has allotted your food and your drink; for why should he see your faces looking gaunt in comparison to the youths who are your own age? Then you would make me forfeit my head to the king.” But Daniel said to the overseer whom the commander of the officials had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, “Please put your servants to the test for ten days, and let us be given some vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then let our appearance be examined in your presence and the appearance of the youths who are eating the king’s choice food; and deal with your servants according to what you see.”’
Daniel, even though young, had a good knowledge of God and a strong faith. He knew he didn’t want to defile himself with food that wasn’t kosher. So he asked the man in charge if he and his friends could be exempt. While the official liked Daniel he feared if he listened to him that they would get skinny and appear unhealthy. The king would inquire and punish him.
Here’s where Daniel’s faith kicks in. He understands and probably agrees with the official. However, he knows that God is powerful and wants them to be kosher. Daniel steps out in faith and expects a miracle. I’m not sure if he knew God would fulfill this bargain or if it was a hope.
Daniel’s three friends made a similar response in 3:18. They were told that they must worship the golden image. They refused and were to be tossed into the furnace. They were given another chance. They refused again and said God was able to deliver them. Then further responded, “But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods nor worship the golden statue that you have set up.” They weren’t sure that God would deliver them. They were willing to die rather than be idolaters. It’s possible that Daniel wasn’t positive that God would make them healthier. He knew that He could, so he stepped out in faith.
We are to keep God’s commands. We may get into trouble by our obedience. I think of the christians in communist and muslim countries. Being a christian is illegal there. Most that I’ve heard of sneak around and secretly meet in house churches. When caught some go to prison. Some are killed.
We don’t have harsh consequences in our country. However, being a christian puts us at odds with some in our society and government. We could be in a situation that gets us disciplined and possibly fired. God will care for us.
Daniel dealt with this well. He didn’t refuse to eat the food. He asked not to participate. When the official showed concern, he wisely gave him assurances. We can also be wise in our circumstances. Hopefully a miracle would rescue us.
What if God didn’t make them healthier. I’m sure the official would have put some pressure on Danial. What would he have done? Refused to eat the food? Probably, but we don’t know for sure. Our situation might escalate and we may have to make a stand that gets us disciplined or let go.
Then we answer like Daniel’s friends in verse 18, “But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods nor worship the golden statue that you have set up.”
God doesn’t want to get us into trouble. Romans 12:18 says, “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” However, we must obey God. If our obedience offends others that’s on them. We aren’t to be obnoxious. We can be tactful.
The apostles were sharing Christ in Jerusalem and were arrested. Acts 4:18-20 says, ‘And when they had summoned them, they commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, make your own judgment; for we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.”’
Most of us spend a majority of our waking hours at work. We are to obey our bosses. I have shared Christ with plenty of my coworkers. However I don’t often with my students. I do on occasion. I’m ok with that. I am under their employ and to follow their rules.
Lord, give us the courage to stand for You. Give us wisdom to word things as Daniel did. Help us to be at peace with all men, but primarily be true to You.